The net is loaded with winter car care tips well basically since its going to be cold and snowy soon. But the question is: which tips can you trust? Obviously, advices from car specialist such as CarMax can prove to be a great help.

Here’s what Todd Gartner, CarMax ASE Master Technician has to say: "The harsh winter weather can expose hidden problems that have developed during the previous seasons. That is why it is so important to prepare your vehicle for the cold weather season by performing all preventative maintenance services as recommended by the manufacturer."

CarMax’s automotive service technicians offer ten winterizing tips and these are as follows (sourced from The Auto Channel):

• Check your anti-freeze. The best ratio of anti-freeze to water is 50/50. The number one cause of engine-related breakdowns is cooling system failure. Prevent this by having your cooling system flushed every two years.

• Replace your windshield wiper blades twice a year. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with freeze resistant wiper fluid (plain water and standard windshield washer fluid will freeze) and keep an extra gallon in the trunk.

• Check your battery. If the battery is more than three years old, have a technician test its capacity. Have the alternator tested at the same time. Make sure the battery terminal ends are corrosion-free.

• Check your tire pressure. Check the pressure when the tires are cold, and set the pressure to the car manufacturer's recommendations for your specific tires. When the weather turns cold, the air inside the tire will contract and the pressure will drop.

• Look at the tread depth on your tires. Put a penny headfirst between the treads. If you can see the top of Lincoln's hair, it's time to replace the tire.

• Check your spare tire. Make sure it has the proper air pressure and tread depth and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the vehicle.

• Check that your lights, heater and defrosters are working properly.

• Check all rubber hoses and belts to ensure they are not damaged. Coolant hoses wear from the inside out. Inspect for heavy cracks or chunking in the belts. Alternatively, have a professional inspect all hoses and belts.

• Have your car's brake system checked. If you haven't had the system inspected in the last six months, have this performed.

• Assemble a winter emergency kit for the trunk of your vehicle. It should include a blanket, extra boots and gloves, an ice scraper, windshield washer fluid, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, flares, a small snow shovel, a flashlight, kitty litter (for traction when stuck in snow) and bottled water.

• “In addition, keep the fuel tank full," Gartner said. "It may be necessary to change routes or you may be caught in a traffic delay or need to turn back during a bad storm."

For more car caring tips simply visit www.carmax.com.